Roof flashing is one of the most critical components of your roofing system. It is usually a thin sheet of metal (aluminum, copper, or steel) bent in a way that will divert water away from the interior of your home.
It is usually found where your roof meets a wall, at a low point or valley, at roof protrusions, and along roof edges. It’s often used in an area where two different types of materials are joined.
The flashing on your roof is only as good as the company that installs it, and it is crucial that, along with excellent installation, you inspect it regularly.
Why is Roof Flashing Important?
The flashings on a roof are some of the most essential pieces of the roofing system, depending on how many penetrations you have coming out of your roof.
Damage or poorly installed flashings are among the most common causes of roof leaks, so they are vital for waterproofing your home. Simple roofs don’t require a lot of flashings. If no real penetrations are coming out of the roof, there isn’t going to be a need for much flashing. The more intricate the roof’s design, the more flashing is needed.
Flashing is particularly important if you have dormers and walls that cut into the roof line. For example, well-placed flashing can direct water away from joints and seams and prevent damage to your roofing system.
Common Types of Roof Flashing
- Counter flashing: on brick walls above the roof surface
- Chimney flashing: counter flashing around the base of the chimney
- Step flashing: rectangular piece bent 90 degrees in the middle against walls and other penetrations
- Apron flashing: a long, continuous piece of metal where vertical walls meet the roof
- Valley flashing: angle changes in a roof system
Common Placement of Flashing
Dormer flashing is another common flashing type. If a wall comes up out of the roof line, the dormer flashing will go up behind the siding and down onto the shingles. This allows any water that comes down the wall space to be moved away without getting underneath the shingles and running beneath the roof.
Flashing is necessary where the roof meets a wall, any low points or valleys, roof protrusions, and edges. Essentially any area that could be a place for water leaks.
Chimneys are one of those crucial areas that need proper flashing. Any intersecting pieces of the roof or any part that protrudes off your roof will need to be protected with flashing.
Roof Flashing is Only as Good as the Company that Installs It
Some flashing pieces can’t be seen until a roofing project is underway. That is why you need a roofer you can trust who will alert you to flashing issues.
For example, many roofers overlook old flashing, which can cause trouble down the road. You can easily put on new shingles, but if flashing areas aren’t done correctly, you will experience leaks.
It’s important to inspect your flashings during your annual roof maintenance to ensure it is in good condition and it hasn’t succumbed to rust or damage. When you use a professional roofing company, you can rest assured that they will inspect the flashings before replacing your roof shingles.
How do you know you have chosen the right company?
A professional roofing company will be
- A local expert
- Licensed, certified, and insured
- Experienced
- Transparent in their work process
- Confident they use quality products
Trust Craftsman’s Choice with your Roofing Needs
Craftsman’s Choice is a licensed and insured Minnesota roofing contractor. With 24 years of experience serving the Minneapolis area, you can trust our products, team, and commitment to quality work.
Roof flashings are a critical part of your roofing system, so contact us to have them inspected or replaced.
